Are IUDs Safe?

IUDs have become increasingly popular over the last several years. Overall IUDs are safe. Some women do have side effects, but most are mild.

How effective are IUDs when used as birth control?

IUDs are one of the best birth control methods out there — more than 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use an IUD will get pregnant each year.

IUDs are so effective because there’s no chance of making a mistake. You can’t forget to take it (like the pill), or use it incorrectly (like condoms). Also you’re protected from pregnancy 24/7 for 3 to 10 years, depending on which kind you get. Once your IUD is in place, you can pretty much forget about it until it expires!

Do IUDs protect against STDs?

No, IUDs don’t protect against STDs. Luckily, using condoms or internal condoms every time you have sex does lower the chance of getting or spreading STDs. So using condoms with your IUD is the way to go.

ParaGard (Copper IUD)

Risks

Less than 1 percent of women who use ParaGard will get pregnant in the first year of typical use.

If you do conceive while using ParaGard, you’re at high risk of an ectopic pregnancy — when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. But because ParaGard prevents most pregnancies, the overall risk of having an ectopic pregnancy is lower than it is for sexually active women who don’t use contraception. If you do have an ectopic pregnancy, you will have to terminate the pregnancy.

ParaGard doesn’t offer protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Side effects associated with ParaGard include:

• Bleeding between periods
• Cramps
• Severe menstrual pain and heavy bleeding

It’s also possible to expel ParaGard from your uterus. You might not feel the expulsion if it occurs. You may be more likely to expel ParaGard if you:

• Have never been pregnant
• Have heavy or prolonged periods
• Have severe menstrual pain
• Previously expelled an IUD
• Are younger than age 25
• Had the IUD inserted immediately after childbirth

Mirena

Risks

Less than 1 percent of women who use Mirena will get pregnant in a year of typical use. Similarly to ParaGard, if you do conceive while using Mirena, you’re at higher risk of an ectopic pregnancy — when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. However, because Mirena prevents most pregnancies, women who use it are at lower risk of having an ectopic pregnancy than are other sexually active women who are not using contraception. If you do have an ectopic pregnancy, you will have to terminate the pregnancy.

Mirena is generally safe. But it’s important to remember that:

• Mirena doesn’t protect against STIs.
• Rarely, insertion of Mirena causes perforation of the uterus. The risk of perforation might be higher when inserted during the postpartum period.

Side effects associated with Mirena include:

• Headache
• Acne
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular bleeding, which can improve after six months of use
• Mood changes
• Cramping or pelvic pain

It’s also possible to expel Mirena from your uterus. You may be more likely to expel Mirena if you:

• Have never been pregnant
• Have heavy or prolonged periods
• Have severe menstrual pain
• Previously expelled an IUD
• Are younger than age 20
• Had Mirena inserted immediately after childbirth

Your health care provider may recommend removal of Mirena if you develop:

• A pelvic infection
• Inflammation of the endometrium (endometritis)
• Endometrial or cervical cancer
• Pelvic pain or pain during sex
• Very severe migraine
• A significant increase in blood pressure, or have a stroke or heart attack
• Possible exposure to an STI

WHAT DRUGS INTERACT WITH MIRENA?

Mirena may interact with insulin, blood thinners, or steroids.

Liletta

Risks

The most common side effect of Liletta is that one in five women stop having a period after a year of use. Depending on how you feel about periods, this could be a drawback or a serious benefit. Women in the study reported a variety of other side effects. The way the study was designed, we just don’t know which of them were caused by Liletta versus being caused by something else. That said, the most commonly reported side effects included discomfort in the belly or pelvis (13%), acne (12%), headache (10%), nausea (8%), and breast tenderness (7%).

Other common side effects are similar to those listed above with Mirena.

Skyla

Risks

Pain, bleeding or dizziness during and after placement is a possible side effect. If these symptoms do not stop 30 minutes after placement, Skyla may not have been placed correctly. Your healthcare provider will examine you to see if Skyla needs to be removed or replaced. Other side effects and risks include:

• Skyla may come out by itself. Expulsion occurs in about 3 out of 100 women. You may become pregnant if Skyla comes out. If you think that Skyla has come out, use a backup birth control method like condoms and spermicide and call your healthcare provider.
• Missed menstrual periods. About 1 out of 16 women stop having periods after 1 year of Skyla use. If you do not have a period for 6 weeks during Skyla use, call your healthcare provider. When Skyla is removed, your menstrual periods should return.
• Changes in bleeding. You may have bleeding and spotting between menstrual periods, especially during the first 3–6 months. Sometimes the bleeding is heavier than usual at first. However, the bleeding usually becomes lighter than usual and may be irregular. Call your healthcare provider if the bleeding remains heavier than usual or increases after it has been light for a while.
• Cysts on the ovary. About 14 out of 100 women using Skyla develop a cyst on the ovary. These cysts usually disappear on their own in two to three months. However, cysts can cause pain and sometimes cysts will need surgery.

Kyleena

Risks

Kyleena is similar to the other hormonal IUDs with the risks and side effects like headaches, dizziness, pain, bleeding, irregular or missed periods and so forth. After your body adjusts to Kyleena it is normal to have fewer bleeding days during your menstrual periods and some women even stop having periods all together. This will not affect your ability to become pregnant after stopping use of Kyleena.

There are no known drug interactions with Kyleena but you should consult your provider and inform them on what medications you are currently taking or will be taking to see if there is anything to be concerned with.

Overall

IUDs have become increasingly popular over the last several years. Overall IUDs are safe. Some women do have side effects, but most are mild. Serious problems with them are rare. Of course there are the few incidences where a significant side effect has occurred. If you suspect anything abnormal you should contact your provider. We are always here to help you with whatever you may need! Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns!